Nina:
Summer is the best because I have so much zucchini to use up - I made this zucchini pizza and never knew that I could love a pizza so much!
Summer abounds with fresh zucchini, making it the ideal season to experiment with new ways to savor this versatile vegetable. Whether you cultivate your own garden or shop at your local farmer’s market, the abundance of zucchini calls for creative kitchen adventures.
This gourmet white pizza, featuring a golden, hand-stretched base brushed in extra virgin olive oil, is a celebration of summer flavors. Layers of creamy fresh mozzarella melt into a canvas for vibrant green zucchini cubes, aromatic chives, and the unique, delicate taste of orange-hued zucchini flowers. It’s a rustic yet sophisticated dish that transforms homegrown bounty into an unforgettable meal—perfect for impressing guests or elevating a weeknight dinner.
Fun fact: The tradition of white pizza, or pizza bianca, dates back centuries in Italy, where bakers would use leftover bread dough, oil, and herbs as a simple, tomato-free snack. This modern variation honors that heritage while introducing a fresh, garden-inspired twist.
IngredientsTry it with...
Preparation
for 1 servings
Step
1
Of 3
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Stretch or roll out your batch of Fresh Pizza Dough onto a prepared baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone for an authentic crust. Bake the dough until it turns lightly golden brown—this partial bake ensures a crisp base that can hold all your toppings without becoming soggy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step
2
Of 3
Thoroughly wash and pat dry your zucchini. Gently rinse the zucchini flowers, carefully drying them to preserve their delicate texture. Cut the zucchini into small, even cubes and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt, allowing the mixture to marinate briefly for enhanced flavor.
Scatter cubes of fresh mozzarella over the pre-baked pizza crust. Evenly distribute the marinated zucchini, followed by the whole or torn zucchini flowers. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly snipped chives—if fresh isn’t available, use dried chives sparingly to maintain a bright flavor profile.
Step
3
Of 3
Return your assembled pizza to the hot oven and bake until the edges are deeply golden and crisp and the mozzarella is beautifully melted and bubbling. The zucchini flowers should be just wilted, imparting both color and aroma.
Take the pizza out of the oven and let it rest for a minute. Slice into wedges, drizzle with a final flourish of extra virgin olive oil, and serve immediately for maximum freshness and flavor. Enjoy this garden-inspired creation while warm!
Try it with...
Filippo Bartolotta
...Great Italian Goodies!
Nina Tuesday 14th of April 2020
Major zucchini lover
Summer is the best because I have so much zucchini to use up - I made this zucchini pizza and never knew that I could love a pizza so much!